5 Dream Vacations Nearly Twice As Affordable In 2015 Thanks To The Strong U.S. Dollar
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- Get out your luggage. Get that passport in order. The vacation you dreamed of but never took to that exotic faraway destination could be a reality this year, thanks to the strong U.S. dollar.
The cost for hotels, meals, even airfares is a fraction of what you would have paid this same time in 2014.
Europe
If you've always wanted to ride to the top of the Eiffel Tour, or explore the flea markets of Florence, now is the time to do it. Discount round-trip flights to Paris are in the $500 range, and there are even no-frills air carriers like WOWAir that can get you there indirectly for less.
The Euro is almost equal to the dollar. A year ago, one Euro would have cost you about $1.38. Now, that same Euro costs about $1.10. That's a difference you can really feel.
Plan to take advantage of 'les soldes' in Paris this summer that begin in the end of June and last until August. Prices are slashed by as much as 80%! You'll make out like a bandit.
Russia
Love vodka? Crave caviar? Try Russia with love.
Recent conflict between Russia and Ukraine has had a devastating impact on Russian tourism. To lure travelers, flights and hotels have been slashed by as much as 45%. Add to that the flailing Russian Ruble against the strong dollar and you have a perfect reason to add the Moscow's Red Square, or the Peter and Paul Cathedral of Saint Petersberg to your itinerary.
Morocco
You can get lost in the souk and explore Marrakesh's walled Medina in Morocco this year thanks to the dollar's strong value. One buck will get you almost ten Moroccan dirhams. Compare that to a year ago, when a dollar barely got eight.
According to Trip Advisor, hotel discounts are deep, with the price for the average hotel at about $100. Bed and breakfasts can be even less.
With all the money you save, splurge and spend a night at the legendary La Mamounia in Marrakesh, the best urban hotel in the world according to Conde Nast. It will cost you $500 for one night but many travelers say it's well worth it.
Brazil
Beat the crowds and go to Brazil before the Summer Olympics of 2016. By then, prices will likely skyrocket simply because of increased demand.
Fact is, the Brazilian real has lost more than quarter of its value since this same time last year. Airfare to Rio can be as little as $600, and once you land, hotels are more than 10% cheaper compared to a year ago, according to TripAdvisor.
At these rates go see the girl from Ipanema for yourself.
Scandinavia & Iceland
Scandinavia is a bargain this year. The dollar is up 29% against the Swedish krona, 25% against the Norwegian krone and 21% against the Danish krone. The Icelandic krona is down about 20% against the dollar.
But it gets even better. Take a no-frills $99 flight to Iceland on WOWAir and connect to any Scandanavian city. With dollars you save on airfare you can explore the fiords, or just load up on lots of clogs and sweaters to give to the folks back home.
Worth Mentioning
You'll find great deals in Canada and Australia, as well. After years of being about one-to-one against the dollar, a Canadian or Australian dollar will only cost Americans about 80 cents.
Now, get packing!!